Business License Information

BUSINESS LICENSES

The State of Alabama and Madison County require all persons, firms, or corporations that engage in or transact any trade, business, commerce, occupation, vocation, or profession for gain or profit to pay a license fee. You may need a State License, a Madison County License, or a combination of the two depending on the nature of your business. You should obtain a business license prior to opening your business.

FEES

License fees are determined by the exact nature and type of your business. You should contact the Madison County License Department for more information. Some licenses require State Regulatory Permits in order to issue, such as auto dealers, food establishments, and air conditioning contractors.

HOW DO I GET A BUSINESS LICENSE?

For a new business or a new location of an existing business, you must contact the Madison County License Department at 256-532-3323, 3314, or 3553. Be prepared to give a detailed description of the type of business you will be conducting. This will determine the types of licenses required.

You should contact the city or municipality in which your business is located regarding any taxes or licenses they may require. You may also want to contact the following agencies regarding guidelines and requirements for new businesses:

All persons or businesses who sell tangible property at retail, or operate machines or places of entertainment or amusement must collect sales tax and make reports and payments to the Madison County Sales Tax Office.

HOW DO I RENEW?

State and Madison County business licenses are valid for a fiscal year beginning October 1, and ending September 30 of the following year. You should renew your business license between October 1st and October 31st. You may receive a renewal notice in the mail. However, renewal is your responsibility; any notification is a courtesy.

If your business changes location, your original license may be brought to the Madison County Courthouse to change the address to the new location.

Auto dealers must contact the office for procedures to change the location of the dealership.

WHAT IF I SELL MY BUSINESS OR BUY A BUSINESS FROM SOMEONE ELSE?

State and County Business Licenses may be transferred to new owners. Transfer required the original license and Bill of Sale be brought to the Courthouse for transfer procedures. NOTE: Business license issued to professionals (doctors, engineers, accountants, manicurist, etc) are NOT transferable.